Ultrasonic washing apparatus

ABSTRACT

An ultrasonic washing apparatus, comprising a body part, an ultrasonic vibrating horn exposed to the outside of the body part, a liquid feeding means for feeding liquid to the ultrasonic vibrating horn, and a mounting means for mounting the body part at any position, the mounting means further comprising a support arm to be installed on an installed object such as a full automatic washing machine, wherein the support arm is extendable, energized in a retracting direction by a helical tension spring, and can stop an extension at any length with a fixing screw, and the body part can change an attitude or a position relative to the mounting means.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an ultrasonic washing apparatus thatpermits partial washing of textile articles.

BACKGROUND ART

There have conventionally been proposed many apparatuses that achievewashing by exploiting ultrasonic waves. Japanese Patent ApplicationsLaid-Open Nos. 2001-310094 and 2001-310165 disclose handy ultrasonicwashing apparatuses. These apparatuses have an ultrasonic horn joined toan ultrasonic vibrator housed in a hand-held casing, and achieve washingwith the tip of the ultrasonic horn kept in contact with an article tobe cleaned that has been soaked in washing liquid so as to be imbuedtherewith. The power source is a battery housed in the casing.

These conventional ultrasonic washing apparatuses boast theircompactness and light weight, and accordingly produce a rather lowoutput of ultrasonic vibration. Thus, to obtain a satisfactory washingeffect, they need to be passed over and over across the article to becleaned. Compact and lightweight as these apparatuses are, repeatingsuch operation causes fatigue in the user's hand. Moreover, since theuser needs to use one hand to hold the ultrasonic washing apparatus, heor she needs to hold the article to be cleaned with the other handalone. This makes it impossible to hold the article tense, resulting inwrinkles and twists developing therein as the ultrasonic washingapparatus is passed across it. With wrinkles or twists in the article,the ultrasonic horn cannot be kept in optimal contact with the article.This not only hampers obtaining the expected washing effect, but alsotends to result in the article being cleaned unevenly or imperfectly inwrinkled or twisted parts thereof.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide an ultrasonic washingapparatus which offers a high ultrasonic vibration output combined witha versatility that makes it usable at any place and which allowseffective washing in so short a time as not to cause the user to feelfatigue.

To achieve the above object, according to the present invention, anultrasonic washing apparatus is provided with a main unit, an ultrasonicvibration horn exposed out of the main unit, a liquid feeder for feedingliquid to the ultrasonic vibration horn, and an fitter for permittingthe main unit to be fitted at a desired place. With this construction,the ultrasonic washing apparatus can be fitted at a desired place whenused, and the user does not need to take it into consideration to holdit with the hand when performing washing. Thus, lightweightedness is nolonger an essential factor. Accordingly, the ultrasonic washingapparatus can be fitted not with a compact, lightweight, thus low-outputultrasonic vibrator unit but a large, high-output one. This makes itpossible to transmit an ultrasonic wave with a high energy level over awide area, and thus to perform effective washing in a short time. Sincethe user does not need to support the weight of the ultrasonic washingapparatus, he or she feels less fatigue. Moreover, since the user canuse both hands, he or she can hold an article to be cleaned sufficientlytense so as not to develop wrinkles or twists. This makes it possible toadjust how the article is pressed against the ultrasound vibration hornso that they are kept in optimal contact with each other, and thereby tomake the most of the washing ability of the ultrasonic washingapparatus. Moreover, since the ultrasonic vibration horn is providedwith the liquid feeder that feeds it with liquid, it is possible toperform washing while keeping the spot to be cleaned optimally wet. Thiseliminates the need to dampen the article to be cleaned as a wholebeforehand by soaking it in the liquid.

According to the present invention, the main unit or the fitter isfitted with a drive circuit for making the ultrasonic vibration hornproduce ultrasonic vibration. With this construction, the drive circuitand the main unit or the fitter can be built into a single unit, leadingto a compact construction and a consolidated design as a whole.

According to the present invention, the fitter has an fitting portionthat exploits an attraction force. This construction makes the fittingof the ultrasonic washing apparatus easy. It is also easy to remove theultrasonic washing apparatus and fix it at another place. This permitsthe ultrasonic washing apparatus to be used at different places, andthus enhances its usability.

According to the present invention, the fitter includes at least onebar-shaped or plate-shaped- support arm having an fitting portionprovided at an end or in any other portion thereof. With thisconstruction, the ultrasonic washing apparatus can easily be fitted to atarget object with a comparatively long fitting span, such as a washingmachine or kitchen sink. The ultrasonic washing apparatus can be fittedstably, as if a man stretching his legs to stand firm.

According to the present invention, the support arm is telescopic. Withthis construction, the support arm can be adjusted to a length thatsuits the target object. This helps widen the choice of places at whichthe ultrasonic washing apparatus can be fitted.

According to the present invention, the support arm is biased by aspring in the direction of the telescopic displacement thereof. Withthis construction, without adjusting the support arm precisely to thelength of the target object, simply by putting the fitting portions atboth ends of the support arm on the target object, the support arm canbe fixed to the target object by the force of the spring. This permitseasy and quick fitting of the ultrasonic washing apparatus.

According to the present invention, the support arm can be locked in astate telescopically displaced to a desired length. With thisconstruction, the telescopic displacement of the support arm can belocked at a desired length, and thus the support arm can be fixed firmlyso as not to get loose from the target object.

According to the present invention, outside the support arm is fitted aslidable fitting portion. With this construction, the position of thefitting portion can be adjusted to suit the size of the target object.This helps widen the choice of places at which the ultrasonic washingapparatus can be fitted.

According to the present invention, the slidable fitting portion isbiased by a spring in a direction in which the slidable fitting portioncan slide. With this construction, without adjusting the position of thefitting portion precisely to suit the size of the target object, simplyby putting the fitting portion on the target object, the support arm canbe fixed to the target object by the force of the spring. This permitseasy and quick fitting of the ultrasonic washing apparatus.

According to the present invention, the slidable fitting portion can belocked in a desired position. With this construction, the sliding of thefitting portion can be locked in a desired position, and thus thesupport arm can be fixed firmly so as not to get loose from the targetobject.

According to the present invention, the posture of the main unitrelative to the fitter can be changed. With this construction, theposture of the main unit can be adjusted so that the user can performwashing in a comfortable posture. When the ultrasonic washing apparatusis not used, it can be retracted into an unobtrusive posture, i.e., intoa retracted posture.

According to the present invention, in the ultrasonic washing apparatusas described above, there is provided a lock for inhibiting change ofthe posture of the main unit. With this construction, when the main unitneeds to be kept in a particular posture as during washing or whenretracted, it can be locked in that position so as to remain steady.This permits washing to be performed steadily during washing, andprevents the main unit from moving unexpectedly and hitting anotherobject when retracted.

According to the present invention, the position of the main unitrelative to the fitter can be changed. With this construction, theposition of the main unit can be adjusted so that the user can performwashing in a convenient position. When the ultrasonic washing apparatusis not used, it can be retracted into an unobtrusive position, i.e.,into a retracted position.

According to the present invention, the main unit is removable from thefitter. With this construction, whenever necessary, the main unit can beremoved from the fitter so that the user can perform washing whileholding it with the hand. This makes it possible to freely set therelative position between the washing apparatus and the article to becleaned, and thus helps further widen the application of the washingapparatus.

According to the present invention, in the ultrasonic washing apparatusas described above, there is provided a water receiving portion forfeeding water simultaneously to the liquid feeder and elsewhere. Withthis construction, in a case where there is another appliance or a placethat requires water, it is possible to operate the ultrasonic washingapparatus while feeding water also to that appliance or place. Thismakes it possible to share a single faucet, for example, with a washingmachine.

According to the present invention, in the ultrasonic washing apparatusas described above, the main unit is combined with a tray for collectingthe liquid fed by the liquid feeder. With this construction, the liquidused in washing can be collected in the tray for disposal. This makes itpossible to use the ultrasonic washing apparatus even at a place wherethe liquid cannot be discharged on the spot.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a vertical sectional view of the main unit of an ultrasonicwashing apparatus.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the ultrasonic vibration horn shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a vertical sectional view of a modified example of the mainunit of an ultrasonic washing apparatus.

FIG. 4 is a front view of the ultrasonic vibration horn shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the ultrasonic washing apparatus of afirst embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the ultrasonic washing apparatus of asecond embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the ultrasonic washing apparatus of athird embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the ultrasonic washing apparatus of afourth embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the ultrasonic washing apparatus of afifth embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the ultrasonic washing apparatus of asixth embodiment of the invention.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described withreference to FIGS. 1 to 10.

FIG. 1 shows a vertical section of a main unit 10 of an ultrasonicwashing apparatus 1, and FIG. 2 shows the front appearance of anultrasonic vibration horn 21. The main unit 10 is combined with anfitter 30 and other elements as shown in FIGS. 5 to 10 to build variousembodiments.

The main unit 10 has a casing 11 made of synthetic resin. The casing 11has the shape of a horizontally extending arm, of which one end servesas a root portion thereof. This portion is coupled to a base 31 made ofsynthetic resin. The base 31 forms part of an fitter 30. The fitter 30permits the main unit 10 to be fitted to a desired place. Throughout thepresent specification, “a desired place” denotes “any of the placeswhere the fitter is usable.” That is, the expression does not mean anyplace without any restrictions or requirements at all. Specifically howthe fitter 30 is shaped and structured will be described later withreference to FIGS. 5 to 10.

A vertical stud shaft 32 stands on the base 31, and the stud shaft 32supports the main unit 10 in such a way that it can rotate in ahorizontal plane. An anchor screw 12 is screwed into the stud shaft 32to prevent the main unit 10 from dropping therefrom. The main unit 10 isprovided with a lock 13 that engages with the stud shaft 32. When thelock 32 is acting, it inhibits the rotation of the main unit 10. Thelock 13 is pressed against the stud shaft 32 by an unillustrated spring.The lock 32 unlocks when a force stronger than a predetermined level isapplied to the main unit 10. Thus, the main unit 10 can be rotated byapplying a force stronger than a predetermined level from outside. Thelock 13 may be so structured that it can be operated from outside tounlock.

Inside the casing 11, there are arranged an ultrasonic vibrator 20 andan ultrasonic vibration horn 21 joined thereto. The ultrasonic vibrationhorn 21 has substantially the shape of the letter T brought downsideways, and a head portion 22 thereof, located at one end thereof, ispartially exposed through an opening 14 formed in the bottom face of thecasing 11. Projections 23 are formed so as to protrude from both sidefaces of the head portion 22. The projections 23 are formed at azero-vibration point, i.e., a node point of vibration transmission.These projections 23, together with a flange portion 24 of theultrasonic vibration horn 21, serve to support the ultrasonic vibrator20 and the ultrasonic vibration horn 21.

A drive circuit 25 for driving the ultrasonic vibrator 20 is fitted onthe outside of the casing 11. An unillustrated power cable runs out ofthe drive circuit 25 and is connected to commercially distributedelectric power.

The drive circuit 25 may be housed inside the casing 11. Alternatively,the drive circuit 25 may be housed inside the fitter 30. This permitsthe drive circuit 25 and the main unit 10 or the fitter 30 to be builtinto a single unit, and thus helps achieve a compact construction and aconsolidated design as a whole.

The head portion 22 of the ultrasonic vibration horn 21 is provided witha liquid feeder 26. The liquid feeder 26 is realized with a tube thatruns out of the base 31 through 11 to a side of the head portion 22. Theliquid feeder 26 is connected to an unillustrated tap water faucet,washing liquid tank, or the like.

The wiring between the drive circuit 25 and the ultrasonic vibrator 20and the piping for the liquid feeder 26 are laid in such a way as not tohamper the rotation of the main unit 10.

Next, how the ultrasonic washing apparatus 1 is used will be described.A force stronger than a predetermined level is applied to the main unit10 to unlock it. When the posture of the main unit 10 is changed up tothe angle at which to perform washing, the lock 13 locks again toinhibit the rotation of the main unit 10. After these preparations,electric power starts to be supplied to the drive circuit 25 to startultrasonic washing. Water starts to be supplied to the liquid feeder 26to perform ultrasonic washing while making the article to be cleaneddamp with a predetermined amount of water.

The user holds the article to be cleaned with both hands, and presses itagainst the head portion 22 while holding it tense so as not to developwrinkles or twists. In this state, as the article is moved slowly, theultrasonic energy causes cavitation in the damp portion of the articleand thereby removes dirt therefrom. The amount of liquid fed from theliquid feeder 26 is so set as to make the washing spot optimally damp.The main unit 10 is locked by the lock 13, and thus remains in positioneven as the article is moved. This permits washing to be performedsteadily.

When the article has been cleaned satisfactorily, the supply of water tothe liquid feeder 26 and the supply of electric power to the drivecircuit 25 are stopped to finish washing. A force stronger than apredetermined level is applied to the main unit 10 to unlock it, and theposture of the main unit 10 is changed up to the angle into which toretract it. The lock 13 then locks again to inhibit the rotation of themain unit 10. This prevents the main unit 10 in the retracted state frommoving unexpectedly and hitting another object.

FIGS. 3 and 4 show a modified example of the ultrasonic washingapparatus 1. FIG. 3 shows a vertical section of the main unit 10 of theultrasonic washing apparatus 1, and FIG. 4 shows the front appearance ofthe ultrasonic vibration horn 21.

In the ultrasonic washing apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 3, the ultrasonicvibration horn 21 is of the straight transmission type. That is, theultrasonic vibrator 20 is provided right above the ultrasonic vibrationhorn 21 so that the ultrasonic vibrator 20 makes the ultrasonicvibration horn 21 vibrate just in the same manner as does the ultrasonicvibrator 20 itself. The ultrasonic vibration horn 21 and the ultrasonicvibrator 20 are supported by the flange portion 24 of the ultrasonicvibration horn 21.

Now, how the main unit 10 described above is combined with the fitter 30and other elements to build various embodiments of the ultrasonicwashing apparatus 1 will be described.

FIG. 5 shows, in a perspective view, the ultrasonic washing apparatus 1of a first embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the fitter30 has an fitting portion 33 with a C-shaped sectional shape. Thefitting portion 33 is so designed as to mount snugly on the rim of akitchen sink 50. Simply mounting the fitting portion 33 on the rim ofthe sink 50 permits the ultrasonic washing apparatus 1 to be fitted inposition. The fitting portion 33 may be provided with a screw so that itcan be fixed by being tightened with the screw. The fitting portion 33may be fixed more firmly by being bonded with glue or adhesive tape.

FIG. 6 shows, in a perspective view, the ultrasonic washing apparatus 1of a second embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the fitter30 has an fitting portion 34 shaped like a flat plate. A sticker 35 isprovided on the bottom face of the fitting portion 34. The sticker 35 isrealized with a permanent magnet. Thus, the magnetic attractive force ofthe sticker 35 permits the fitter 30 to be fitted to a target object solong as it is made of a magnetic metal such as iron.

In a case where the sticker 35 is realized with a permanent magnet, thebottom face of the fitting portion 34 may be entirely covered with asingle large piece of magnet, or may be strewn with a plurality of smallpieces of magnet.

Advisably, the permanent magnet is so arranged that its height relativeto the fitting portion 34 is variable so that, through operation of alever or the like, the permanent magnet can be moved closer to or awayfrom the target object. With this arrangement, when the permanent magnetis moved closer to the target object, a strong attractive force acts topermit the fitting portion 34 to be fixed firmly; when the permanentmagnet is moved away from the target object, the attractive forceweakens to permit the fitting portion 34 removed easily. This furtherenhances the usability.

The sticker 35 may be realized with a sucker so that the fitting portion34 can be fixed to a flat surface of any material. As the sucker, it ispossible to use one or two large suckers, or a large number of smallsuckers. It is also possible to permit switching of the state of thesucker, between a sucking and a non-sucking state, by permitting theshape thereof to be changed through operation of a lever or the like.

The sticker 35 may be realized with an adhesive substance (such as isused in glued paper tags for clerical use) that permits repeated fittingand removal.

FIG. 7 shows, in a perspective view, the ultrasonic washing apparatus 1of a third embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the fitter30 includes a bar-shaped or plate-shaped support arm 36. There may beprovided one or more of the support arm 36. The support arm 36 is madeso long as to cover the width of full-automatic and two-tub washingmachines available on the market.

The support arm 36 is composed of two parallel arm portions coupledtogether, and is so structured that it can be telescopically displaced.Specifically, in each arm portion, an inner arm 38 is slidably placedinside an outer arm 37. A lock screw 39 for pressing the front-sideinner arm 38 is screwed into the front-side outer arm 37 so that, bytightening the lock screw 39, the telescopic displacement of the supportarm 36 can be locked at a desired length. Here, “a desired length”denotes any length within the stroke of the displacement of the supportarm 36.

At the ends of the outer and inner arms 37 and 38, there are providedfitting portions 40. The fitting portions 40 are shaped like a downwardbent hook. Putting across the top face of a full-automatic washingmachine 51 the support arm 36 in its telescopically lengthened statewith the lock screw 39 loosened, then telescopically shortening thesupport arm 36 until the fitting portions 40 at both ends firmly gripthe full-automatic washing machine 51, and then tightening the lockscrew 39 to lock the telescopic displacement of the support arm 36permits the ultrasonic washing apparatus 1 to be fitted in position.This makes it possible to firmly fix the fitter 30 so that it does notget loose from the full-automatic washing machine 51.

A spring may be inserted between the outer and inner arms 37 and 38 sothat the support arm 36 is biased by the spring in the direction oftelescopic displacement. For example, the outer and inner arms 37 and 38are coupled together with a tension coil spring 41 so that the supportarm 36 is biased thereby in the direction in which it is telescopicallyshortened. With this construction, after putting across the top face ofthe full-automatic washing machine 51 the support arm 36 in its statetelescopically lengthened against the force exerted by the spring,simply letting it go causes the fitting portions 40 to automaticallygrip the full-automatic washing machine 51, and thus permits theultrasonic washing apparatus 1 to be fitted in position.

The lock screw 39 may be used together. Specifically, after the fittingportions 40 grip the full-automatic washing machine 51, the lock screw39 is tightened to lock the telescopic displacement of the support arm36. This permits the ultrasonic washing apparatus 1 to be fitted evenmore firmly.

Instead of the tension coil spring 41, a compression coil spring may beinserted so that the support arm 36 acts like a contractible rod.

It is possible to set the range of the telescopic displacement of thesupport arm 36 to cover not only full-automatic and two-tub washingmachines but also kitchen sinks.

FIG. 8 shows, in a perspective view, the ultrasonic washing apparatus 1of a fourth embodiment of the invention. This embodiment is a modifiedversion of the third embodiment. Specifically, the lock screw 30includes a support arm 36 composed of two parallel arm portions coupledtogether, but this support arm 36 is not telescopic but instead has aslider-type fitting portion 47 at one end.

At the other end of the support arm 36, there is provided a fittingportion 40, which is, as in the third embodiment, shaped like a downwardbent hook.

A lock screw 39 for pressing the support arm 36 is screwed into thefitting portion 47 so that, by tightening this lock screw 39, thefitting portion 47 can be locked at a desired position on he support arm36.

With the lock screw 39 loosened, the fitting portion 47 is slid to theend of the support arm 36, and then the support arm 36 in this state isput across the top face of a full-automatic washing machine 51. Then thefitting portion 47 is slid to a position where it together with thefitting portions 40 firmly grips the full-automatic washing machine 51,and then the lock screw 39 is tightened to lock the sliding of thefitting portion 47. This permits the ultrasonic washing apparatus 1 tobe fitted in position. This makes it possible to firmly fix the fitter30 so that it does not get loose from the full-automatic washing machine51.

A spring may be inserted between the support arm 36 and the fittingportion 47 so that the fitting portion 47 is biased by the spring towardthe middle of the support arm 36 (the portion thereof where the mainunit 10 is located) or in the direction opposite thereto. For example,the support arm 36 and the fitting portion 47 are coupled together witha tension coil spring 41 so that the fitting portion 47 is biasedthereby toward the middle of the support arm 36. With this construction,after putting across the top face of the full-automatic washing machine51 the support arm 36 with the fitting portion 47 slid against the forceexerted by the spring, simply letting it go causes the fitting portions40 and 47 to automatically grip the full-automatic washing machine 51,and thus permits the ultrasonic washing apparatus 1 to be fitted inposition.

The lock screw 39 may be used together. Specifically, after the fittingportions 40 and 47 grip the full-automatic washing machine 51, the lockscrew 39 is tightened to lock the sliding of the fitting portion 47.This permits the ultrasonic washing apparatus 1 to be fitted even morefirmly.

Instead of the tension coil spring 41, a compression coil spring may beinserted so that the fitting portion 47 is biased thereby outward.

It is possible to set the slide range of the fitting portion 47 to covernot only full-automatic and two-tub washing machines but also kitchensinks.

The posture of the main unit 10 relative to the fitter 30 can bechanged. When the ultrasonic washing apparatus 1 is fitted to a kitchensink 50 as shown in FIG. 5, the main unit 10 can be rotated to an angleat which it does not hamper the washing of dishes or hand washing oflaundry. When the ultrasonic washing apparatus 1 is fitted to afull-automatic washing machine 51 as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the mainunit 10 can be rotated to an angle at which it does not hamper thepassage of laundry into and out of the full-automatic washing machine51.

In a case where the fitter 30 is long as in the third and fourthembodiments, the main unit 10 may additionally be so structured as to bemovable relative to the fitter 30.

Specifically, in the cases shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the position of themain unit 10 relative to the support arm 36 (in FIG. 7, relative to theouter arm 37 of the support arm 36) can be changed. This permits theposition of the main unit 10 to be changed so that washing can beperformed with the main unit 10 placed in a convenient position. Whennot in use, the main unit 10 can be retracted into an unobtrusiveposition, i.e., a retracted position.

In all of the first to fourth embodiments, the main unit 10 is removablefrom the fitter 30. With the anchor screw 12 unscrewed, the main unit 10can be removed from the stud shaft 32, and can be carried to a placeaway from the fitter 30 so that washing can be performed with the mainunit 10 held with the hand. A coupler of another type than the anchorscrew 12 may be used to make the fitting and removal of the main unit 10easier.

By coupling the main unit 10 and the fitter 30 together by a couplingtube or the like, it is possible to maintain the supply of electricpower and water from the fitter 30 to the main unit 10 even when themain unit 10 is removed from the fitter 30. Alternatively, the main unit10 may be provided with a rechargeable power source and a water tank soas to operate on a cordless basis.

FIG. 9 shows, in a perspective view, the ultrasonic washing apparatus 1of a fifth embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the fitter30 (of any of the first to fourth embodiments) is additionally providedwith a water receiving portion 42. The water receiving portion 42 isconnected to a tap water faucet 60 by way of a hose 61, and feeds watersimultaneously to the liquid feeder 26 and to a connection port 43provided by the side of the water receiving portion 42.

By connecting the connection port 43 to a full-automatic washing machine51 by a hose 62, even if there is only one faucet 60, it is possible touse the ultrasonic washing apparatus 1 and the full-automatic washingmachine 51 simultaneously. By providing more connection ports 43, it ispossible to feed water to a larger number of appliances or places.

FIG. 10 shows, in a perspective view, the ultrasonic washing apparatus 1of a sixth embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the mainunit 10 is combined with a tray 44. The tray 44 has a drain port 45formed at one place in the bottom face thereof, and the drain port 45 isplugged with a plug 46.

The liquid fed from the liquid feeder 26 is collected in the tray 44.This makes it possible to use the ultrasonic washing apparatus 1 even ata place where the liquid cannot be discharged on the spot. On completionof washing, the ultrasonic washing apparatus 1 is carried to a placewhere the liquid can be discharged, and then the plug 46 is pulled offto complete the disposal of waste liquid. Making the tray 44 removablefrom the main unit 10 makes the disposal of waste liquid easier.

It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited in anyway by the embodiments thereof described above, because thoseembodiments are merely examples of how the invention can be implemented.That is, many modifications and variations are possible without theclaimed scope of the invention.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The present invention finds wide application in households andbusinesses as a simple and convenient washing apparatus for washingtextile articles.

1. An ultrasonic washing apparatus that can be used independentlycomprising: a main unit, an ultrasonic vibration horn exposed out of themain unit, a liquid feeder for feeding liquid to the ultrasonicvibration horn, a drive circuit for driving the ultrasonic vibrationhorn to produce ultrasonic vibration, and a fitter for permitting themain unit to be fitted at a desired place, wherein the drive circuit isincluded within at least one of the main unit and the fitter, main unitis combined with a tray for collecting the liquid fed by the liquidfeeder, and the main unit combined with the tray is portable such thatthe main unit combined with the tray may be carried to a place where theliquid can be discharged.